Tournament Code of Conduct: Standards of Play and Sportsmanship

This document outlines the expectations for all tournament participants, no matter where they compete. Its purpose is to ensure fair games, respectful behavior, and a positive environment for players of all skill levels.

General Principles

Golden Rule

By participating in Israeli Warhammer 40K events, all players agree to uphold the standards below in good faith.

Competitive Warhammer 40K isn’t just about winning – it’s about creating a rewarding experience for everyone, building a strong community, and ensuring that players want to return.

Strive to Win Through Strategy, Not Pressure or Obfuscation

Players should aim to win by making better decisions on the battlefield, not by withholding information, failing to communicate intent, or creating an uncomfortable or pressured environment to gain an advantage.

Whether you win or lose, your goal should be to play a clear, open, and respectful game where both players understand what’s happening and feel respected throughout.
This is the standard of play we expect and celebrate at all competitive levels.

Calling a Judge is Always Okay

Calling a judge is not only acceptable – it’s part of good sportsmanship.

Judges exist to ensure that both players get a fair game and that rules are correctly interpreted, especially in situations where something seems unclear.

• Calling a judge isn’t about accusing someone – it’s about ensuring that both players are playing within the agreed-upon rules and standards and that neither side is unintentionally disadvantaged.
• Judges are there to support the game’s flow, answer rule questions, clarify intent, and preserve a respectful atmosphere.

Players should raise their hand the moment something feels confusing or off, before frustration or misunderstanding escalate.
Regular judge calls in good faith show a commitment to clarity and sportsmanship – not a lack of confidence.

1. Fair Play and Game Conduct

Know Your Army and the Rules

• Players are expected to understand the rules for their own army and the core rules of the game.
• However, we recognize a wide range of skill levels at events, and players should show understanding when reminders or clarifications are needed.
• This clause is aimed at discouraging rules manipulation or repeated misinterpretation, not penalizing reasonable learning moments.

Play by Intent

• Players are expected to clearly communicate their intentions when making moves (e.g., “I’m placing this unit outside of 24” to stay out of range”).
• Opponents are responsible for asking clarifying questions and ensuring mutual understanding.

When issues arise from a lack of clarity, both players share responsibility for maintaining mutual understanding and preventing conflict.

Open and Clear Communication

Speak at a pace your opponent can follow. Avoid rushing through declarations or overwhelming explanations. Both players are responsible for maintaining a clear and accessible game environment.

Dice and Measurements

• All dice rolls must be made openly and at a pace that allows the opponent to see and confirm the results.
• Fast or hidden rolling is not acceptable.
• Use proper measuring tools, and clearly declare ranges, movements, and targeting.

2. Respectful Behavior

Respect Your Opponent

Treat all players with courtesy and professionalism.
Disrespectful language, mocking, visible frustration, or unsporting behavior will not be tolerated.

Dispute Resolution

If a disagreement arises:

• Remain calm and respectful.
• Use clear communication or request a judge to help resolve the situation.

No Harassment or Abuse

Any form of harassment, bullying, or aggressive behavior – verbal or physical – will result in immediate removal from the event.

3. Game Pace and Communication

Mutual Responsibility for Game Flow

Both players must ensure the game moves at a fair and steady pace.
Playing too slowly or too quickly can negatively impact the experience.

Rushing, speaking too fast, or acting impatiently is not acceptable.

Adapt to Your Opponent’s Pace

• Players should adjust their communication and pacing when needed, especially against less experienced opponents.
• Since chess clocks are used, there is no justification for impatience – each player manages their own time.

However, players are also responsible for creating a positive, inclusive competitive environment.

This includes not exploiting a skill gap to rush to a maximum score at the expense of the opponent’s experience. Doing so may result in a sportsmanship warning.

4. Supporting Players of All Skill Levels

Be Considerate with New or Less Experienced Players

For you, this might be the tenth tournament – but for the player across from you, it might be their first.

Your conduct could decide whether they want to return and grow stronger, or feel discouraged and quit.

We want everyone to leave the table excited to play more Warhammer, not burnt out.

Positive Learning Matches

When skill gaps exist:

• Competitive intent and mutual enjoyment should be balanced.
• Focus on playing a clean, fair game without overwhelming or dismissing your opponent.

Avoid Overwhelming Communication

Refrain from rapid or overly complex rule explanations. Communicate in a way that helps your opponent keep up and enjoy the game.

5. Modeling and Table Standards

WYSIWYG and Proxies

• All models should accurately represent their units and wargear to a degree that won’t confuse the opponent.
• Models deviating significantly from official unit visuals must be approved by the TO in advance.

Respect the Table and Terrain

Players must treat terrain, models, and event property with care.
Deliberate or careless damage may result in penalties or removal from the event.

6. Enforcement and Consequences

Infractions

Minor issues typically result in a warning.
Repeated or serious violations – including poor sportsmanship, rule exploitation, or disrespectful conduct – may lead to point penalties, forfeits, or bans.

Judge Authority

Judges and tournament staff may act at their discretion to uphold this code and protect the integrity of the event.

List of penalties:

1. Rule Manipulation or Exploitation

Using army or game rules in a way that deliberately deviates from their standard or accepted implementation, including bending unclear interactions for advantage.

• First offense: Verbal warning
• Second offense: –10 Battle Points per incident
• Subsequent offenses: May be counted as Intentional Cheating (see below)

2. Intentional Cheating

Any deliberate attempt to:

• Deceive your opponent
• Hide information
• Misrepresent game state
• Falsify dice, measurements, or rules

Penalties:

• First offense: Immediate 0–20 loss recorded for the current game
• Second offense: Disqualification from the tournament

3. Arguing with Judges or Staff

Disrespecting or publicly disputing a ruling after it has been made. Feedback should be provided privately and respectfully.

• First offense: Warning
• Second offense: –5 Battle Points
• Further offenses: –1 Round Point per offense (Win becomes Draw, Draw becomes Loss)

4. Unsportsmanlike Behavior

Includes, but is not limited to:

• Shouting, insults, intimidation
• Excessive complaining
• Throwing dice or behaving aggressively toward opponents or staff

Penalties:

• First offense: Warning and –5 BP
• Second offense: Round forfeiture (0–20 loss)
• Further offenses: Tournament Ban and possible entry to the Tournament Circuit Black List

5. Referee Discretion

Tournament officials may issue additional penalties, including:

• Loss of points
• Game forfeiture
• Disqualification
• Blacklisting

…for behavior not specifically listed above but deemed damaging to the tournament environment or player experience.

Final Statement

These rules are enforced without exception.
Players who consistently breach the code of conduct or exhibit recurring poor behavior may be barred from future events.

We take the integrity of the game and the community seriously – every participant is expected to contribute to a respectful and enjoyable event for all.